Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3

"Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Taking the tactics out of tactical combat..."

Although not immensely popular in the gaming world, the "Rainbow Six" series created by Tom Clancy has long-been a well done tactical FPS, boasting realistic combat features and variety of real-world weapons and devices. There have been quite a few games in the series, including everything from Gameboy versions to expansion packs, to who knows what else. And in every game, one overwhelming aspect has been the key, TACTICS. Rainbow Six is far from being a run and gun shoot em' up game. Players have to rely on strategy, planning, and coordination to do everything from disarming explosives to saving hostages (which is pretty much all you'll be doing over and over again in this particular game). There is alot to say about this game, so with that, let's begin.

GRAPHICS - 9/10

I read a review of this game that actually said the graphics in this game were bad. Well, that person has either been playing Xbox too much before trying PS2 games or they were playing on an incredibly crappy TV. Personally, I found the graphics in this game to be quite good for an FPS. Nothing revolutionary, but overall, the models of the characters and guns were smooth, and the lighting was very well done. You can actually see the light pouring through the windows and casting realistic moving shadows on the walls, something not to often found in a PS2 FPS. Some of the textures are leave little to be desired, the uniforms often looking blurred and just plain bizarre, but this is one of the few graphical problems in the game. Lighting effects are good, and for the most part, the graphics look nice and the game is presented well. I'd say that in the long run of things, the PS2 version does have a slight edge over the PC version in terms of graphics (I own both versions, so you might find me comparing the two on occasion). Now, the next area is where the PS2 version of Rainbow Six 3 falls far behind it's PC counterpart.

GAMEPLAY - 6/10

This is where the team at Red Storm lost their way. Gone are the days of strategy, planning, and tactics, and in are the days of rambo style runs and haphazard combat techniques. Since when did Jerry Bruckheimer become part of the team at Red Storm? The gameplay is still fun to a certain degree, but the game just doesn't feel like Rainbow Six, it just feels like any old FPS on the market. You have no choice when it comes to selecting your team members, you end up with the same people every mission (well, I haven't beaten the game yet, but I imagine this is true since it appears there aren't any characters other than the 4 you play as in the first mission). And as I said before, there is no more planning screen. That's right hardcore R6 fans, it's gone. Where'd it go? I have no idea, but who cares, a planning screen has no place in a TACTICAL FPS. However, you probably wouldn't need one to make it through the game, because most of the levels are just linear areas that you need to run through and blast away the enemies as you progress. The only area of planning that you have control of in this game is your equipment, which gives you four slots in which you can equip guns, grenades, plastic explosives, or whatever else suits your fancy. Other than that, you just press start, and get sent to the insertion point. Now, to R6 3's credit, it doesn't play like most other FPS's. The element of attack is different, because in R6, you are more inclined to rely on taking far away shots and picking people off then you are to just run in front of them and blast away. However, if you like, you can pretty much go rambo on them and still make it through. Don't worry about getting lost, because if you just stick to the linear path, you'll get to your destination eventually. Really, that was the thing that killed this game for me. There are no choices given to the player. In the previous games you could pick an insertion point, attack different buildings first, and really think about what your doing, in this game, you just move along a pre-determined route completing objectives along the way. This game plays alright as a "more realistic FPS", but it doesn't feel the Rainbow Six we know and love.

Sound - 9/10

I don't really pay attention to sounds much when I'm playing, but most of the guns sound realistic and good, and the music is also pretty well done. Too put it simply, the sounds in this game won't let you down.

Story - ?/10

I haven't beaten the game yet, so I'm not really entitled to an opinion on this aspect of the game. I played and completed the PC version, but apparently this one is different, so I don't know what to say. If it's anything like the PC version, than the story should be fine.

Controls - 8/10

The controls are good, easy to get used to and easy to work. An inability to go prone is a disappointment, and the sometimes sluggish controls can be annoying sometimes. The controller's sensitivity can be adjusted to a point where it's pretty easy to aim, but it still doesn't quite feel perfect. The command interface is well-done and easy to use even it a combat situation, so that's a definite plus for this game.

SUMMARY - Overall, Rainbow Six 3 came off as a weak game to me. It really ignored the entire concept of the series, which is Tactical FPS combat. Though the combat is still less rambo-style than most other FPS's, the game ends out being far too linear to be enjoyable as a Rainbow Six game. Also, the lack of strategy and planning techniques is a huge downside to the game. Also, what is the deal with the uniforms these guys wear? You have no control over the camouflage they wear, and most of the time, they go in with naked faces. This just seems bizarre to me, because if you're really an elite counter terror force, you would have the tactical sensibility to cover yourself up as best as possible to blend in. But unfortunately, since the makers of this game didn't care so much about the tactical aspect of the game, you don't really have to blend in. If you like Rainbow Six moderately but love great FPS's like Timesplitters, Halo, 007 games, etc., then Rainbow Six 3 for PS2 is sort of the best of both worlds. It relies less on tactics but maintains a more realistic type of combat, while the gameplay is more linear and action-oriented. If you're a die-hard fan of the series, then the PC version is definitely the way to go. It's much more immersive and the tactics really play a part in the game. Of course, if you're a really die-hard fan of the series and can buy the game for $9.99 like I did, then you might as well go for it. Being able to play split screen co-op with a friend is pretty cool. The online multiplayer seems like it would play okay, but there's hardly anyone online playing, so the PC version is better for MP gaming too. I hope this review has helped anyone leaning towards one version or the other to make up their minds, enjoy!

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05